Lazy J Bar C

Lazy J Bar C

Friday, September 6, 2013

Meatballs For The Freezer

This recipe came from my grandmother many years ago and I love having a batch of these babies tucked away in the freezer for those nights when I have absolutely no idea what we are going to have for supper. My grandmother always made them as baked Barbecued Meatballs but the possibilities are truly endless! I have used them for spaghetti and meatballs, meatball sandwiches and have even baked them plain and dropped them into a big pot of vegetable soup.
 
Meatballs
 
3 pounds ground chuck
2 cups oatmeal
2 eggs
1 cup chopped onion
13-oz can evaporated milk
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
 
Mix well. Shape into balls (I use a cookie scoop). Place on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm. Package airtight in freezer bags or containers.

 
I used a combination of locally grown ground lamb and ground beef for this batch, adding some ground pork would be nice too. I also used my goat milk instead of canned milk.

Just take out however many meatballs you need for your meal, let them thaw, place in a baking dish and then top with your favorite sauce, or no sauce at all in the case of the meatballs for soup. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes until done. I also like the fact that there is no browning on the stovetop and all the mess that comes with it but you could use them that way too.

I like them the way Grandma used to make them the best, smothered in some slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce and served with some macaroni and cheese and a nice salad or green vegetable. Yum!! :)

Linking up with Farmgirl Friday and What I Am Eating.

19 comments:

Lynn said...

I remember my Mom doing up batches of meatballs like this, your recipe looks delicious. meatball sandwiches...? Hamburgers? I'm a Canadian what can I say :-)

magnoliasntea said...

Hi there! Love your blog. I'm enjoying reading some of your older posts - love the fish pond.

Actually, I've been thinking about making meatballs, just for a change, so I was glad to see your recipe. Thanks so much for sharing. And thanks for stopping by my blog.

Susan said...

What a great idea - to have a nice stash of meatballs waiting for those cold winter nights (that are 12 hours long...)

Our Neck of the Woods said...

I love food that can be stored well in the freezer! It makes last minute meals much easier.

Liz said...

These look great! I need to make a batch when we get home. Such a great thing to have on hand. I never thought about putting BBQ on them. YUM!

brokenteepee said...

Great idea!

Lin said...

I like that you don't have to brown them!

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

These look so delicious! I will be making these Thanks for sharing with us.

Sally in WA said...

Yummmm....they are making me hungry. I need to put a batch in the MN freezer.

Maggid said...

Macaroni and Cheese???
Yum!!!!

Nancy said...

I'm all about preparing ahead and this is a great idea Candy!

Kateri said...

Well, this is timely! I just bought ground beef and Italian sausage to make into meat balls (using half Italian sausage in them came at the recommendation of an Italian friend), but I was looking for a gluten free recipe...and this looks like it will fit the bill!

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Good idea. I can't tell you how many times we have come home from work to find we didn't thaw anything so we just grab whatever is convenient. This would be great since you can just pull out how ever many you need .

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have saved this recipe and hope to add this to my new freezer next year (when I buy one that is).

Kateri said...

I have them simmering in a pot of vegetable sauce (cooked down onions, eggplant, zuchini, and a few tomatoes with lots of garlic and basil). Looking forward to trying them for dinner!

1st Man said...

I was just telling 2nd Man we need to make some meatballs and store away in the freezer. I like this recipe, thank you for sharing!

Gina said...

I love meatballs - having them in the freezer, ready to cook, it brilliant!

Dave said...

Your recipe sounds wonderful. I remember growing up, Sunday was always spaghetti and meatballs. Every once in a while Mom would make food from her heritage and make German Meatballs with gravy and rice. I really miss Mom's meatballs.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

I'm glad your blog is still here. I had to come back and get your recipe today.